Glen Waverley Secondary College offers a dynamic and enriching Music program. With an extensive classroom curriculum and thriving instrumental program, an exciting range of opportunities for both individual and ensemble performance are available. Glen Waverley Secondary College has always placed great emphasis on Music within the school. This tradition is continued into the 21st century with the school giving more than 20 concerts and recitals per year, teaching over 400 instrumental music lessons per week and providing the students with the opportunity to participate in some 16 different musical ensembles. The Music Centre caters for a range of rehearsal and performance experiences, from music classrooms, instrumental rehearsal rooms, small ensemble and jazz band rehearsal spaces, and a large band room preset for a range of band, orchestra, and ensemble rehearsals. Students have the opportunity to rehearse and perform in three performance spaces including the Drama Theatre, Lecture Theatre and the Treseder Hall.

Students find that participating in the music program at Glen Waverley Secondary College provides a great balance between their other academic studies. Students feel connected to their fellow musicians, that the study and performance of music enhances their school studies, particularly in VCE. Many high achievers quoted being involved in music ensembles as a highlight of their Year 12.

Classroom Music
Classroom Music forms a part of the core curriculum from Year 7 to Year 8. Students are encouraged to learn an instrument and to join the choirs, ensembles, orchestras and bands which rehearse and perform regularly. 

In Years 7 and 8 classroom music, students develop performance skills through playing the guitar, singing, hand percussion and a wide variety of music technology programs and applications. Students are invited to explore and create music, are introduced how to read and write music and reflect on performances through listening activities. 

From Year 9 onwards, Music becomes an elective, with multiple semesters available to Years 9 and 10 students, and offer the full range of VCE subjects. Elective music emphasises performance, composition and analytical skills. 

From workshops and master classes to concerts and excursions, GWSC students are exposed to high quality music education and performance at all levels.

Instrumental Program
The College also offers a comprehensive Instrumental Program in all instrument families (including string, woodwind, brass, voice, and percussion instruments) where students learn with specialist teachers in classical and contemporary styles. Tuition from highly qualified specialist instrumental staff is available on the following instruments:

• Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
• Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Alto/Tenor/Baritone Saxophone
• French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
• Voice
• Bass Guitar, Guitar ( available at year 8)
• Percussion (tuned and untuned

Ensembles
The Ensemble Program provides a fantastic array of ensemble opportunities from classical to contemporary. All students enrolled in instrumental lessons at Glen Waverley Secondary College must participate in a weekly large ensemble rehearsal. Students are auditioned to place students in the most appropriate ensemble for their musical experience and ability.

Large Ensembles

• Beginner Band
• Concert Band
• Symphonic Band
• Wind Ensemble
• Beginner Strings
• Intermediate Strings 
• Senior Strings
• Concert Strings
• Middle School Choir
• Senior School Choir
• Junior Guitar Ensemble
• Senior Guitar Ensemble

Rehearsing and performing within these groups develops a wonderful social dynamic and helps students develop a sense of purpose and achievement. Tours and camps allow the students to grow and develop as a group while exposing them to new experiences and building a strong music community.

Small Ensembles
*Students must be a member of a Large Ensemble before auditioning for a small ensemble

• Junior Stage Band 
• Senior Stage Band 
• Latin Jazz Band

An extensive performance program enables all students to participate in a wide variety of concerts and recitals including the Winter Gala Concert, Spring Gala Concert, Victorian Schools Music Festival, Elective and VCE Music Recitals, Music Theatre performances, Assemblies, Ceremonies, Presentation Evenings, Battle of the Bands, Cultural Diversity Week, and many other performances in the community.

Student Leadership
At Glen Waverley Secondary College we believe in strong student voice. Musicians have an opportunity to apply to be an ensemble leader, Middle School and Senior School Music Captain. Our music leaders assist with the mentoring of ensembles and students, creating and running music events and concerts, and contributing to the positive environment of the music centre.

Contact Us
Information regarding instrumental lessons, ensembles, performance dates, lesson fees is available from the Music Office on (03) 8805-6700 or via email bsl@gwsc.vic.edu.au

Mr Brad Slater
Director of Music